Improper Use of Bone Densitometry Machines

Recently, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) discovered that some clinics and their staff improperly used bone densitometry machines when performing services to certain beneficiaries. The improper use has lead to abnormal readings, which caused erroneous diagnosis and unnecessary prescriptions that could be harmful to the recipient. The serious side effects of the medications are as follows: damage to the esophagus, sores in the mouth, bloody vomit, blisters, peeling of the skin and necrosis of the jaw. Providers are advised to use extreme caution to ensure that the appropriate training and supervision of staff is provided prior to performing these types of procedures. DHCS will be conducting further investigations on the administration of bone densitometry testing to accurately determine the extent of the problem.